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1186537
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-03-19more like thismore than 2020-03-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Cemeteries: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to ensure the maintenance of its burial grounds. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Newcastle-under-Lyme more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Aaron Bell more like this
unstar this property uin 32199 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-03-24more like thismore than 2020-03-24
star this property answer text <p>The responsibility for maintenance of Church of England churchyards that are open for burials lies with each Parochial Church Council. However, if the churchyard has been closed for burials by order of the Privy Council or other agreement, the usual practice is for responsibility to transfer to the relevant Local Authority. Maintenance of a closed churchyard is still undertaken in line with the relevant ecclesiastical legislation, which still applies. Each diocese similarly produces its own guidance and regulations.</p><p> </p><p>Advice and guidance is always available for parishes and all local authorities from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council. The Church Buildings Division is currently developing a digital Burial Grounds Management System with external partners. This will in the next few years digitally map all graveyards and burial records to allow a publicly available and searchable records and monuments map to increase access to our churchyards. Following a successful trial in the Diocese of Leeds this project will gradually roll out to the rest of the country.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-03-24T17:15:44.113Zmore like thismore than 2020-03-24T17:15:44.113Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4837
star this property label Biography information for Aaron Bell more like this
1334123
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-06-14more like thismore than 2021-06-14
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading St Margaret's Church Westminster: Westminster Abbey more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, when the appointment of an Assessor to enquire into complaints made against the Royal Peculiar of Westminster Abbey by the congregation of St Margaret's Church will be made. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Gravesham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Adam Holloway more like this
unstar this property uin 15185 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-06-17more like thismore than 2021-06-17
star this property answer text <p>As a Royal Peculiar, Westminster Abbey does not come under the responsibilities of the Church Commissioners. Accordingly, the most appropriate person to deal with this enquiry is Mr Richard Tilbrook, the Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary at the Cabinet Office.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-06-17T11:35:19.543Zmore like thismore than 2021-06-17T11:35:19.543Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1522
star this property label Biography information for Adam Holloway more like this
1628856
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Leicestershire more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many Minster Communities are proposed in Leicestershire; and how many parishes are proposed in each. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185806 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>Management of a diocese and the ordering of parishes is a matter for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff, not the National Church Institutions (NCIs). <br> <br>The NCIs are aware that in October 2021, 72% of members of the Leicester Diocesan Synod voted in favour of the Minster Community model. The Church Commissioners, as the appeal body for any formal parish reorganisation, are unable to comment further as it may prejudice future decisions of the Mission, Pastoral, and Church Property Committee should Leicester Diocese decide to bring forward formal parish reorganisation proposals.</p><p>Enquiries about the Minster Communities plan should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: <a href="https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who" target="_blank">https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:36:25.3Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:36:25.3Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1628857
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Clergy: Leicestershire more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many ordained stipendiary priests are proposed to serve each Minster Community in Leicestershire; how frequent the Commissioners expect the provision for Holy Communion in each church to be; and how many such priests have been identified as ready to (a) serve in Minster Communities and (b) provide Holy Communion, not by extension. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185807 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>Management of a diocese and ordering of parishes is not a matter for the National Church Institutions (NCIs), but for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff in discussion with the diocesan mission and pastoral committees and liaison with parishes. The NCIs are aware that in October 2021, 72% of the Leicester Diocesan Synod members voted in favour of the Minster Community model. <br> <br> Enquiries about the Minster Communities plan should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leicester.anglican.org%2Fwhos-who&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7Cc49a42f8e5a44131c99c08db67e4b657%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638218004242075662%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lVEoxKFFCSURzq0Xoran5CbcV8WEYMzuLneLzhcszuY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who</a></p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:38:24.503Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:38:24.503Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1628858
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Clergy more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many ordained priests are available to perform the Occasional Offices in Leicestershire parish churches. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185808 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>From the records held by the National Church institutions and the diocese, at the present time the Diocese of Leicester has the following ordained clergy and lay ministers:</p><ul><li>134 clergy</li><li>43 curates</li><li>117 lay ministers (including Readers, Evangelists, Pastoral Assistants, etc.)</li><li>122 Permission to Officiate (often retired clergy)</li></ul><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:39:54.857Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:39:54.857Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1628859
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Clergy more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Commissioners are taking steps to help ensure that ordained priests are not expected to officiate in parish churches of a different tradition in a way which (a) they and (b) the parishioners are not comfortable with. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185809 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>Management of a diocese and the ordering of parishes is a matter for the diocesan bishop and their senior staff, not the National Church Institutions.</p><p>Clergy, retired clergy and lay ministers regularly offer cover across dioceses during vacancies, an incumbent’s illness, or for other pastoral reasons. The diocesan bishop and local archdeacon are responsible for overseeing this process.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:41:09.573Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:41:09.573Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1628861
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what information the Commissioners hold on whether the Minster Community model reduces (a) church attendance and (b) parish giving. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185810 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners have not received any formal parish reorganisation proposals or impact assessments relating to the Minster Communities model. Enquiries about the Minster Communities model should be directed to the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leicester.anglican.org%2Fwhos-who&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7Cc49a42f8e5a44131c99c08db67e4b657%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638218004242075662%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lVEoxKFFCSURzq0Xoran5CbcV8WEYMzuLneLzhcszuY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:42:43.603Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:42:43.603Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1628865
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-18more like thismore than 2023-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, which Church of England legislation, Measures and Canons provide a description of the functions and responsibilities of Oversight Ministers and Co-Area Deans; and what the functions are of the Launde Minster Community Oversight Minister, Revd Jonathan Dowman, commissioned on 30 April 2023 by the Bishop of Leicester. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency South Leicestershire more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alberto Costa more like this
unstar this property uin 185812 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>Clergy of the Church of England who are officeholders generally hold their roles and responsibilities according to their current appointment and Statements of Particulars, with the duties of bishops, priests and deacons being set out in the Ordinal and the Canons. The responsibilities of area deans more particularly include those set out in legislation, but their specific roles are defined at the local level. Some diocesan roles, such as Co-Area Dean or Oversight Ministers, are not defined in legislation but may refer to a particular role in a diocese.</p><p> </p><p>The engagement of diocesan clergy and staff is not a matter for the National Church Institutions. It would be best to contact the offices of the Bishop of Leicester, the Archdeacon of Leicester or the Archdeacon of Loughborough, who will be able to give more details about what is envisaged for these roles. Contact details can be found on the diocesan website here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leicester.anglican.org%2Fwhos-who&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7Cc49a42f8e5a44131c99c08db67e4b657%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638218004242075662%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lVEoxKFFCSURzq0Xoran5CbcV8WEYMzuLneLzhcszuY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.leicester.anglican.org/whos-who</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:45:02.617Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:45:02.617Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4439
star this property label Biography information for Alberto Costa more like this
1192320
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-01more like thismore than 2020-05-01
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, when churches will be re-opened for worshippers. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 42227 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-05more like thismore than 2020-05-05
star this property answer text <p>It is essential that when church buildings reopen for public worship or private prayer by members of the public, that it is done safely. In the meantime, churches across the country are holding virtual services and offering support to the vulnerable and elderly. Where they are unable to do this locally national resources are available such as the national church service on a Sunday and the Daily Hope phone line.</p><p> </p><p>The Church is adapting and rising to the challenge of supporting their community physically and spiritually during this medical emergency. The Church is regularly reviewing the medical advice and is in regular conversation with the Government. What is needed is a wide range of detailed protocols and practices to be established to ensure that church buildings and services do not represent risks for renewed transmission of the virus.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England is currently preparing for the reopening of church buildings, but it must be recognised that not all churches and clergy may be able to satisfy all the necessary criteria, especially in the early stages of the recovery phase. This has been the experience in other jurisdictions such as Germany where the Government has advised that churches can be reopened for public worship.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-05T15:01:28.667Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-05T15:01:28.667Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1192321
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-01more like thismore than 2020-05-01
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, for what reasons churches and other places of worship were not listed as essential services in the covid-19 lockdown guidance. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 42228 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-05more like thismore than 2020-05-05
star this property answer text <p>Following the address to the nation made by the Prime Minister on the 23<sup>rd</sup> March, the Church of England took the difficult decision that it would ask this clergy to close their parish churches to the public due to the unprecedented high risk of transmission of the covid-19 virus. While the church buildings and halls were shut, their congregations have continued, where possible, to live out their vocation and mission to serve the needs of their local communities during the lockdown period.</p><p> </p><p>The Government listed the clergy as key workers during the medical emergency, and it has enabled them to continue to meet the needs of their communities right across the country, serving as chaplains, officiating at funerals, administering last rites, operating food banks and other essential community services.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-05T15:00:29.557Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-05T15:00:29.557Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1196249
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-15more like thismore than 2020-05-15
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church Services: Attendance more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the average church attendance each week in (a) Rother Valley Constituency, (b) Yorkshire, and (c) England in each year of the last five years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 47487 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-19more like thismore than 2020-05-19
star this property answer text <p>The most recent survey of church attendance was published in 2018, and the table below contains figures aggregated from 2014-18 using average weekly attendance figures at all age services. These figures are collected each year during four weeks in October.</p><p>The figures in the table below include adult and child attendance at Sunday and midweek church services and fresh expressions, but not attendance at services for schools. Special local services such as memorials to commemorate flooding – can lead to fluctuations in the figures.</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>2018</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Rother Valley*</p></td><td><p>1,450</p></td><td><p>1,260</p></td><td><p>1,170</p></td><td><p>1,130</p></td><td><p>980</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Yorkshire*</p></td><td><p>82,600</p></td><td><p>82,800</p></td><td><p>77,600</p></td><td><p>75,500</p></td><td><p>75,200</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Church of England</p></td><td><p>975,300</p></td><td><p>959,900</p></td><td><p>921,700</p></td><td><p>893,900</p></td><td><p>870,900</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>More information can be found in the annual Statistics for Mission report: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763</a></p><p>Parish boundaries do not coincide with constituency or county boundaries. Figures in the table are based on reasonable approximations as follows:</p><ul><li>The Rother Valley figure refers to the parishes in the Deanery of Laughton along with the parishes of Whiston and Wickersley.</li><li>The Yorkshire figure refers to the Dioceses of York, Leeds, and Sheffield.</li></ul>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-19T17:10:19.423Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-19T17:10:19.423Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1233452
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-09-10more like thismore than 2020-09-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Christianity: Oppression more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the extent of global persecution of Christians during the covid-19 pandemic. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 88422 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-09-14more like thismore than 2020-09-14
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is in regular communication with the Government and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief on the issue of persecution of Christians worldwide.</p><p>The Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating the challenges facing Christians in places of conflict or persecution. The leaders of the Anglican Communion are in close contact to support each other in practical and prayerful ways.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-09-14T16:11:20.503Zmore like thismore than 2020-09-14T16:11:20.503Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1354305
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-09-09more like thismore than 2021-09-09
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what most recent financial estimates the Church of England holds on the outstanding cost of fabric repairs to its parish churches. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 45956 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-09-13more like thismore than 2021-09-13
star this property answer text <p>Fluctuating material costs and the availability of specialist workers affect cost estimates significantly, so it is difficult to give a precise figure.</p><p>It is estimated, based on available architectural inspections and costed works, that the outstanding capital cost of all repairs over the next five years is close to £1bn for our 16,000 parish churches, or around £200m a year.</p><p>At best parishes currently raise and spend approximately half of that annually, so there remains a significant and growing maintenance deficit on these beautiful and treasured buildings.</p><p>England’s Anglican cathedrals were surveyed in 2019 to establish their repair and maintenance liabilities and from that it is estimated that these 42 buildings require £140m in the next five years in maintenance and repair. This estimate does not include precinct properties.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-09-13T17:08:29.77Zmore like thismore than 2021-09-13T17:08:29.77Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1354306
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-09-09more like thismore than 2021-09-09
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how much the Church of England spent on the maintenance and repair of its parish churches in the financial year 2019-20. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Rother Valley more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Alexander Stafford more like this
unstar this property uin 45957 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-09-13more like thismore than 2021-09-13
star this property answer text <p>A comprehensive record of maintenance and repair spend is not held centrally, as all parishes operate as independent entities. However it is estimated that parish communities spent at least £130m a year pre-pandemic on church building projects, including repair and maintenance, conservation of collections such as manuscripts, silver and textiles, improvements to accessibility and environmental sustainability, and inclusion of community facilities such as toilets and kitchens. Specialist building firms, craftspeople, archaeologists, conservators and others rely on churches to provide them with work and a training ground for passing their skills on to apprentices and trainees.</p><p>The vast majority of this money is raised locally and we are grateful to national bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Churches Trust, Wolfson Foundation and Pilgrim Trust, who continue to provide essential grants. The overall maintenance deficit continues to grow since the ending of the dedicated places of worship repair scheme in 2017.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-09-13T17:14:39.857Zmore like thismore than 2021-09-13T17:14:39.857Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4866
star this property label Biography information for Alexander Stafford more like this
1194222
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-11more like thismore than 2020-05-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is planning to take to allow it to reopen churches as soon as possible while limiting the risk of spreading covid-19. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Romford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Andrew Rosindell more like this
unstar this property uin 45018 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:06:28.87Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:06:28.87Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
21588
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1447
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell more like this
1315755
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-05-18more like thismore than 2021-05-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading St Paul's Cathedral more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to ensure the future of St. Paul's Cathedral. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Romford more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Andrew Rosindell more like this
unstar this property uin 2912 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-05-20more like thismore than 2021-05-20
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and other National Church Institutions have been in regular contact with the Dean and Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral throughout the pandemic as they have with all the Anglican cathedrals in England. The Church Commissioners made additional financial support available to all cathedrals and dioceses throughout the pandemic over and above the financial support they regularly make available. <br> <br> The Third Church Estates Commissioner, Dr Eve Poole, has also been in touch with both the Dean and the Chair of Council of St Pauls in the wake of recent headlines and conversations about the additional specific needs of St Paul's are ongoing. Currently, the Church Commissioners are aware that St Paul's Cathedral has received the following financial support during the pandemic from the Church Commissioners and the Government. This does not account for any support received through the Government's furlough scheme:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Church Commissioners Financial Support to St Paul's Cathedral</strong></p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Dean and 2 Residentiary Canons - Standard Grant</p></td><td><p>£158,000</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Cathedral Sustainability Grant - staff and administration</p></td><td><p>£172,000</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Heritage Trade and Skills Grant</p></td><td><p>£96,500</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Music Grant - Lay Clerks</p></td><td><p>£131,000</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Government Financial Support to St Paul's Cathedral</strong></p></td><td><p> </p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Culture Recovery Fund round 1 &amp; 2</p></td><td><p>£3 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Culture Recovery Fund Capital Works Grant</p></td><td><p>£320,000</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The pandemic has impacted the finances of all cathedrals and churches right across the country to varying degrees, and this is not an experience unique to the Church of England. However, the Church of England is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of 45% of all grade one listed buildings in the country and the lack of in-person worshipers, educational visits and events have impacted not just the charitable giving and income of all cathedrals and churches but also the social and community and education work the Church supports and funds. Prior to the pandemic, the '<a href="https://www.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org/" target="_blank">House for Good</a>' report by the National Churches Trust showed clearly the positive social and economic impact a church and cathedral have on their local community, with over 70% of parishes operating over 35,000 social action projects across the country.</p><p><br> The Church of England is grateful to the Government for the continued support of DCMS via the Culture Recovery Fund. The Church looks forward to the opportunity to engage with the Government to look at the future sustainability of its buildings following the publication of the Government's <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-taylor-review-sustainability-of-english-churches-and-cathedrals" target="_blank">Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-taylor-review-sustainability-of-english-churches-and-cathedrals" target="_blank">2017</a>.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-05-20T15:51:07.153Zmore like thismore than 2021-05-20T15:51:07.153Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
1447
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell more like this
1249878
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-05more like thismore than 2020-11-05
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Religious Buildings: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church Commissioners have had with the Government on allowing places of worship to remain open during lockdown if they continue to implement additional covid-secure measures. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Newton Abbot more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Anne Marie Morris more like this
unstar this property uin 112061 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-17more like thismore than 2020-11-17
star this property answer text <p>Following the Government announcement of a second lockdown, churches have been required to close again for public worship, between 5<sup>th</sup> November and 2<sup>nd</sup> December. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishop of London and senior Christian and other faith leaders wrote to the Prime Minister about this and their letter can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Faith%20communities%20letter%20to%20Prime%20MInister%20%28ii%29.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Faith%20communities%20letter%20to%20Prime%20MInister%20%28ii%29.pdf</a>.</p><p>In it they concluded: “We have already said there is no scientific rationale for suspension of Public Worship where it is compliant with the guidance that we have worked jointly with government to establish. We believe government, and Public Health England, accept this. Government is making decisions about what aspects of our life during this period of restrictions are essential. We believe we have demonstrated that continuation of public worship is essential, for all the reasons we have set out above. We call on government to recognise and support this, and enable us to continue to worship safely, as part of the essential fabric of the nation.”</p><p>The Church of England remains in dialogue with the Government about this as part of the Government’s Places of Worship Task Force. I commend the work of clergy and volunteers across the country during this very challenging time.</p><p>Church buildings may remain open for individual prayer where it has been possible to make them COVID-secure. The Church has continued to encourage clergy to broadcast services and make resources available online where possible. Guidance and advice from Public Health England and the Church of England is being distributed to clergy and is published on the Church of England website here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches</a>.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-17T14:57:52.123Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-17T14:57:52.123Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4249
star this property label Biography information for Anne Marie Morris more like this
1217932
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-25more like thismore than 2020-06-25
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England has taken to provide financial support to single parish churches to avoid the redundancy, salary review and staff restructuring of employed musicians. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 65019 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-29more like thismore than 2020-06-29
star this property answer text <p>In March, the Church Commissioners and Archbishops’ Council announced over £75m of liquidity support to dioceses and cathedrals. This money included allowing dioceses in financial need to access up to three months forbearance on sums required for the national clergy payroll [or clergy stipends] for a limited period and paying monthly grants in full for 2020. In May the National Church Institutions announced a diocesan grant scheme supported by the Church Commissioners, which totalled up to £35m of sustainability funding.</p><p> </p><p>The Church Commissioners are unable to make grants directly to Parochial Church Councils and parish churches. Parishes employ staff such as musicians, assistants, and lay workers in a variety of ways. Where the Parochial Church Council directly employs an individual, the individual would have been eligible to be placed on furlough under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).</p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-29T15:33:57.577Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-29T15:33:57.577Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
star this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1217933
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-25more like thismore than 2020-06-25
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to ensure that church musicians and choirs can safely resume their work as soon as possible under Government guidelines; and what assessment the Church has made of the implications for its policies of medical evidence on the transmission risk of choirs and congregations in church settings. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 65020 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-29more like thismore than 2020-06-29
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is working with the Government and Public Health England to restore choirs and singing to services as soon as it is safe to do so. There has been limited research available for Public Health England to use to make an informed assessment about the safety of singing, and the choir of Salisbury Cathedral is currently participating in a study organised by Public Health England to enable it to make these decisions in an informed manner. We await further guidance from the Government and Public Health England once these trials have been concluded.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-29T15:31:38.05Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-29T15:31:38.05Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
star this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1220927
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-07-06more like thismore than 2020-07-06
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the timescale is for allowing churches to resume choir singing; and what guidance will be published for churches on resuming choir singing safely during the covid-19 outbreak. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 69712 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-07-10more like thismore than 2020-07-10
star this property answer text <p>The timescale for allowing churches to resume choral singing is a matter for Public Health England and the Government. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government published updated guidance on the 9<sup>th</sup> July, which can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july</a></p><p> </p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-07-10T17:43:20.523Zmore like thismore than 2020-07-10T17:43:20.523Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
36022
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
star this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1568305
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-01-18more like thismore than 2023-01-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: LGBT+ People more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, in the context of the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith process and the forthcoming General Synod, whether the Commissioners have made assessment of the potential impact of the Church of England's exemptions from the Equality Act 2010 on LGBT+ people. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 126814 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-01-31more like thismore than 2023-01-31
star this property answer text <p>The National Church Institutions have made no such assessment. The exceptions in the Equality Act are for all religious organisations rather than for the Church of England specifically. It is unlikely that any of the exceptions will be engaged by Living in Love and Faith and therefore no assessment has been carried out.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-01-31T16:33:23.187Zmore like thismore than 2023-01-31T16:33:23.187Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
star this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1579820
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-01-23more like thismore than 2023-01-23
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: LGBT+ People more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the Living in Love and Faith consultation, what discussions he has had with senior Church leaders on the Bishops' proposal to be put to General Synod on the outcomes of that consultation. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Streatham more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
unstar this property uin 130092 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-01-31more like thismore than 2023-01-31
star this property answer text <p>I have held discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London as part of my briefing on the House of Bishops’ response. As Second Church Estates Commissioner it is my intention to attend the General Synod debate on Living in Love and Faith, and to convey to the Synod the views that have been presented to me in Parliament.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-01-31T16:39:28.92Zmore like thismore than 2023-01-31T16:39:28.92Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4764
star this property label Biography information for Bell Ribeiro-Addy more like this
1644168
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-06-13more like thismore than 2023-06-13
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Equal Pay more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church has taken to close the gender pay gap. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Lancaster and Fleetwood more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Cat Smith more like this
unstar this property uin 189331 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-07-05more like thismore than 2023-07-05
star this property answer text <p>For clergy across the Church of England, as officeholders they are paid a stipend rather than a salary. All bishops, male and female, receive the same stipend. All other clergy stipends are based on a national benchmark which is set by post, irrespective of the gender of the postholder.</p><p>The Church of England last measured its clergy gender pay gap on 1<sup>st</sup> April 2022. Across the 42 dioceses of the Church, the difference in average stipend for male and female full-time stipendiary clergy was 0.3% in favour of men (with the mean stipend for male clergy being £28,288 and for female clergy £28,205). The gap has been calculated for full-time stipendiary clergy alone. As clergy do not work standard hours there is a difficultly in calculating an hourly rate for clergy, which is the standard method for calculating gender pay gaps. There are also difficulties in standardising part-time clergy in terms of full time equivalents, as we do not have complete information about the proportion of a full-time post. This is unlikely to affect the overall figure significantly as only 8% of stipendiary clergy were part-time (less than 1 full-time equivalent) and women made up only a small majority of part-time stipendiary clergy (54% compared with 46% men).</p><p>The most recent Gender Pay Report from the National Church Institutions (NCIs) can be found here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/national-church-institutions-2022-gender-pay-report-april-2023_0.pdf" target="_blank">national-church-institutions-2022-gender-pay-report-april-2023_0.pdf (churchofengland.org)</a>. 57% of the staff of the National Church Institutions (NCIs) are women. Since 2021 the representation of women has increased by 2% in the upper quartile, but the majority of women continue to be working in roles in the lower and mid-lower quartile. As the NCIs approached their pay negotiations in late 2022 and they considered the cost-of-living crisis effects on employees and affordability for the NCI charities, a focus was maintained on NCI values and on gender and ethnicity pay gaps.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-07-05T13:57:33.507Zmore like thismore than 2023-07-05T13:57:33.507Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4436
star this property label Biography information for Cat Smith more like this
1250482
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-10more like thismore than 2020-11-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the effect of churches on community health and wellbeing through their provision of food banks, youth services, mental health services, addiction support services and other community services during the covid-19 outbreak and associated lockdowns. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bolton West more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Green more like this
unstar this property uin 113564 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-17more like thismore than 2020-11-17
star this property answer text <p>The parish church is a key source of community support and I commend the work of clergy and volunteers across the country during this very challenging time.</p><p>Recent research published by Theos and the Church Urban Fund <a href="https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/cmsfiles/GRACE-CUF-v10-combined.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/cmsfiles/GRACE-CUF-v10-combined.pdf</a> and separately by the National Churches Trust <a href="https://www.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org/" target="_blank">https://www.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org/</a> has shown the substantial social and economic contribution parishes, and cathedrals make to their local communities.</p><p>Across the dioceses of the Church of England churches are operating 35,000 based projects which serve the needs of their communities, I am pleased to say that many of these have continued to operate during the pandemic within the guidelines set out by Government on Covid-19, providing crisis support such as foodbanks, bereavement counselling, night shelters, debt relief advice, as well as project work to combat modern slavery and support victim of domestic abuse.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-17T15:04:02.603Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-17T15:04:02.603Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4398
star this property label Biography information for Chris Green more like this
1250484
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-10more like thismore than 2020-11-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Commissioners have made of (a) trends in the level of closure of churches and (b) the ability of worshipping communities to fund ongoing repairs to church buildings. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bolton West more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Green more like this
unstar this property uin 113566 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-17more like thismore than 2020-11-17
star this property answer text <p>The details of individual parish finances is not generally a matter for the Church Commissioners, though other parts of the National Church Institutions and dioceses have been keeping planned giving and donations under careful review. Churches that have a solid foundation of regular giving through direct debit or standing order appear to be withstanding the pandemic much better than those whose finances were more reliant on church hall income, fundraising events, visitor donations and cash in the offertory plate. During the first national lockdown whilst some parishes saw a substantial drop off in donations others have embraced new technology using digital giving, and social media and, when Church buildings are open, contactless giving.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Although there has been a significant reduction in parish payments to dioceses to fund ministry costs, this has been less than anticipated at the start of the national lockdown, in part boosted by use of reserves as well as the generosity of givers. We grateful to the Government for allocating over £30million from the Culture Recovery Fund to support major churches and cathedrals. The Church Commissioners have also made significant funds available where possible to support music, essential craft and tradespeople alongside sustainability funding and salary support for cathedrals. The continuation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is also important for the future funding of repairs to church buildings and the Archbishops’ Council have made representations to the Treasury about this.</p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-17T17:34:12.167Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-17T17:34:12.167Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4398
star this property label Biography information for Chris Green more like this
1192783
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-04more like thismore than 2020-05-04
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: VE Day more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Right Hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to fly Union Flags on its churches for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 43168 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-06more like thismore than 2020-05-06
star this property answer text <p>The House of Bishops revised their guidance on access to churches on the 5th May 2020. <br>The new guidance can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>Government guidance states that ‘a minister of religion or worship leader may leave their home to travel to their place of worship’. In most cases, they will do so in order to pray or to stream a service of worship. If clergy wish to mark VE Day by ringing a church bell or flying a flag from their church buildings, that is within government guidance. This advice does not extend to bell-ringers, sextons or other church officers or volunteers.</p><p>The parish church would usually be central to local commemorations of events such as Victory in Europe Day, but for this anniversary they will be honouring the sacrifice of all those who were involved in World War Two in a new way. Archbishops, Bishops and clergy will be participating in local and national virtual services to mark VE Day. The Church of England has released national resources for worship and prayer which can be used by local communities: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020</a></p><p>Additional resources have been released by Westminster Abbey to help churches shape their services over the anniversary weekend which can be found here: <a href="https://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/files/veday2015resources.pdf" target="_blank">Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-06T16:20:19.527Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-06T16:20:19.527Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1356827
star this property registered interest true more like this
star this property date less than 2021-09-20more like thismore than 2021-09-20
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Clergy: Suicide more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many clergy have taken their own lives in the last five years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 51846 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-09-23more like thismore than 2021-09-23
star this property answer text <p>Records are not held centrally on the causes of death of clergy. The Church of England provides resources for those experiencing stress and signposts to other resources from charities and organisations able to help. Some more information is available here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/clergy-resources/national-clergy-hr/supporting-clergy-health-and-wellbeing#na" target="_blank">Supporting clergy health and wellbeing | The Church of England</a> As chief pastors in their dioceses, diocesan bishops ensure pastoral care is available to clergy and is provided when needed. <br> <br>The Church of England is committed to supporting those individuals and organisations working to help those at risk of self-harm and suicide. At a parish level many clergy play a key role themselves in providing counselling, comfort and support to those at risk. All suicides are tragedies, and whilst causes will vary, the death of any member of the clergy through suicide will be a matter of profound concern and deep sadness for all in the church, their community and all who have a responsibility for their pastoral care.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-09-23T16:34:56.84Zmore like thismore than 2021-09-23T16:34:56.84Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1379335
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-11-17more like thismore than 2021-11-17
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Baptism: Asylum more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many services the Church of England has conducted specifically for the purposes of Baptising people seeking asylum in each of the last five years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 76831 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-11-22more like thismore than 2021-11-22
star this property answer text <p>Data are not kept on the nationality or migration status of those who seek Baptism. The content of the rite of Baptism remains the same for all. <br>Clergy are required by canon law to ensure that all who come to Baptism as adults are given appropriate teaching on the tenets of the faith and in encouragement to private spiritual devotion. Therefore, the preparation process may require specific, lengthier input and instruction of some groups of candidates before the clergyperson is confident of the independent faith of each individual.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-11-22T17:56:21.57Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-22T17:56:21.57Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1401966
star this property registered interest true more like this
star this property date less than 2022-01-11more like thismore than 2022-01-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Public Relations more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how much the Church of England spent on (a) public affairs and (b) reputation management organisations in financial year 2020-21. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 101841 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2022-01-13more like thismore than 2022-01-13
star this property answer text <p>It is not possible to give a cumulative figure for expenditure on public affairs for the Church of England, as each National Church Institution, diocese and parish is a separate charity and this information is not collected.</p><p>At a national level public affairs functions are not limited to a specific branch of the National Church Institutions. The Faith and Public Life team of the Archbishop’s Council (formerly MPA: the Mission and Public Affairs Division) handles much of the Church of England’s national engagement with Government, Parliament and policymakers but also has responsibility for work that is not public affairs. In the transition from MPA to the Faith and Public Life team under the Transforming Effectiveness process, the total number of NCI staff working in those public affairs roles has been cut.</p><p>The Archbishops’ Council Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 can be seen here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2021-06%2FGS%25202211%2520AC_annual_report_and_financial_statements_for_year_ended_31_December_2020.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C043d18e7ab6943cd73cc08d9d6bb902b%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C637776924236020443%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=cZ3D1WMXw4zBYl1wwTcjYZrxMqvscE5Ox6jMFgVF0nE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">GS 2211 AC_annual_report_and_financial_statements_for_year_ended_31_December_2020.pdf (churchofengland.org)</a></p><p>The Church Commissioners for England Annual Report 2020 can be seen here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2021-06%2FChurch%2520Commissioners%2520Annual%2520Report%25202020.pdf&amp;data=04%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7C043d18e7ab6943cd73cc08d9d6bb902b%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C637776924236020443%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=tnkFrMXg83UXKrVMroRp77K551XvsRMvDzzvalnanqI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/Church%20Commissioners%20Annual%20Report%202020.pdf</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2022-01-13T17:44:16.59Zmore like thismore than 2022-01-13T17:44:16.59Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1418155
star this property registered interest true more like this
star this property date less than 2022-01-31more like thismore than 2022-01-31
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Public Relations more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2022 to Question 101841 on Church of England: Public Relations, how much Lambeth Palace spent on public affairs in the financial year 2020-2021. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 114934 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2022-02-02more like thismore than 2022-02-02
star this property answer text <p><em>It is not possible to disaggregate expenditure on all public affairs activity from the overall total working costs for the Archbishop of Canterbury in the financial year 2020-21 without incurring disproportionate cost. During this period the public affairs team at Lambeth Palace comprised a social and public affairs adviser, research officer and a PA. The PA role will be reduced to half time in 2022.</em></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2022-02-02T17:45:01.513Zmore like thismore than 2022-02-02T17:45:01.513Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1681257
star this property registered interest true more like this
star this property date less than 2024-01-10more like thismore than 2024-01-10
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Paula Vennells more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what role Paula Vennells had in advising the Commissioners after 2019; and which committees she attended. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency West Dorset more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Chris Loder more like this
unstar this property uin 9090 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2024-01-15more like thismore than 2024-01-15
star this property answer text <p>In the spring of 2019 the House of Bishops discussed why some of the recommendations of the Church Buildings Review, which was approved by the General Synod in November 2015, had not been implemented. Paula Vennells was subsequently asked by the Archbishops to undertake a lessons learnt review. During the course of the review its remit was expanded to look at the wider working together of the National Church Institutions (NCIs), including issues around organisational governance, leadership and culture. The report, ‘Church Buildings Review- Lessons Learnt’, was completed in October 2019 and Paula Vennells attended a meeting of the House of Bishops in December 2019 at which it was presented.</p><p>In February 2020 Paula Vennells was invited to attend the Church Commissioners Board of Governors for a discussion of the Lessons Learnt report, but she was unable to attend and the report was considered in her absence. The Lessons Learnt report was considered by the Archbishops’ Council in March 2020, again in the absence of Paula Vennells, who was invited but unable to attend.</p><p>In March 2020 the Archbishops established a Coordinating Group, to continue the work of the Triennium Funding Working Group, and to coordinate certain strands of national work for the Church during the Covid 19 pandemic. Paula Vennells was invited to join the Coordinating Group and to lead on the part focusing on Governance. She attended three meetings of the Group, in April, May and June 2020 and sent apologies to two further meetings in June and July, before withdrawing from the work. The Coordinating Group became what is now the Emerging Church Steering Group. A Governance Review group under the Chairmanship of the Bishop of Leeds proceeded from August 2020, without the involvement of Paula Vennells.</p><p>The Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) is convened and funded by the three National Investment Bodies, to whom it provides ethical investment advice. Paula Vennells was appointed to the EIAG by its Nominations Committee and was a member between March 2019 and April 2021. She attended two meetings, in March and October 2019, and sent apologies for meetings thereafter until she took leave of absence from the Group from June 2020, lasting until her resignation in April 2021. More information about the EIAG can be found here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/ethical-investment-advisory-group" target="_blank">Ethical Investment Advisory Group | The Church of England</a></p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2024-01-15T17:07:36.48Zmore like thismore than 2024-01-15T17:07:36.48Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4751
star this property label Biography information for Chris Loder more like this
1252408
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-16more like thismore than 2020-11-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Cemeteries: Languages more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Church of England’s policy is on non-English language inscriptions on headstones in its graveyards. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency St Helens North more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Conor McGinn more like this
unstar this property uin 115720 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-19more like thismore than 2020-11-19
star this property answer text <p>There are legal proceedings currently underway on this matter and due to the House of Commons Sub Judice Resolution the Church Commissioners are unable to provide an answer at this time.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-19T17:01:43.153Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-19T17:01:43.153Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4458
star this property label Biography information for Conor McGinn more like this
1252409
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-16more like thismore than 2020-11-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Cemeteries: Irish Language more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Church of England’s policy is on the use of the Irish language (a) in its services and (b) as inscriptions or engravings on (i) headstones or (ii) other objects on Church property. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency St Helens North more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Conor McGinn more like this
unstar this property uin 115721 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-19more like thismore than 2020-11-19
star this property answer text <p>There are legal proceedings currently underway on this matter and due to the House of Commons Sub Judice Resolution the Church Commissioners are unable to provide an answer at this time.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-19T17:02:35.083Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-19T17:02:35.083Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4458
star this property label Biography information for Conor McGinn more like this
1252413
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-11-16more like thismore than 2020-11-16
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Courts more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the appeals process against consistory court decisions to the Provincial Court of the Archbishop. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency St Helens North more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Conor McGinn more like this
unstar this property uin 115722 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-19more like thismore than 2020-11-19
star this property answer text <p>It is possible to appeal the decision of a consistory court to the provincial court of the Archbishop, with the permission of the consistory court or of the appeal court, provided that the appeal does not relate to a question of doctrine, ritual or ceremonial. The Provincial Courts of Canterbury and York are known by the names ‘The Court of Arches’ and ‘The Chancery Court of York’.</p><p>As in a temporal court the test for whether to grant permission to appeal is the same, i.e whether the appeal has a real prospect of success or there is some other compelling reason why the appeal should be heard.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-19T17:04:40.31Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-19T17:04:40.31Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4458
star this property label Biography information for Conor McGinn more like this
1639754
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-23more like thismore than 2023-05-23
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Clergy: Ordination and Retirement more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Commissioners are taking steps to reduce average lengths of time between (a) the retirement and enthronement of bishops in dioceses and (b) the retirement and consecration of priests in parishes. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Southport more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Damien Moore more like this
unstar this property uin 186497 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>Diocesan bishops are appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister following a recruitment process overseen by the Crown Nominations Commission. Every effort is made to appoint suitable candidates swiftly, however an interregnum is often necessary to allow the Vacancy in See Committee to consult on and produce an up to date statement of needs. Suffragan bishop appointments are overseen by the diocesan bishop, who is required to present a role description to the Dioceses Commission so that an assessment can be made of mission and ministry needs, capacity and resources in the diocese. Parish priest appointments are a matter for diocesan bishops.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:28:53.89Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:28:53.89Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4669
star this property label Biography information for Damien Moore more like this
1568664
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-01-19more like thismore than 2023-01-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: LGBT+ People more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress has been made on the proposals that the bishops have put to General Synod on the outcomes of the Living in Love and Faith process for debate next month; and if he will make a statement. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Liverpool, Walton more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dan Carden more like this
unstar this property uin 127887 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-01-31more like thismore than 2023-01-31
star this property answer text <p>I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave in the House in response to an urgent question, on Tuesday 24<sup>th</sup> January 2023, Hansard column 878: <a href="https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2023-01-24/debates/46921D78-FB26-44A3-81F1-013530CC7C6D/EqualMarriageChurchOfEngland" target="_blank">https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2023-01-24/debates/46921D78-FB26-44A3-81F1-013530CC7C6D/EqualMarriageChurchOfEngland</a></p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-01-31T16:32:17.827Zmore like thismore than 2023-01-31T16:32:17.827Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4651
star this property label Biography information for Dan Carden more like this
1194322
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-05-11more like thismore than 2020-05-11
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps is the Government taking to work with churches and dioceses to ensure the safe opening of churches for religious worship. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bosworth more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Luke Evans more like this
unstar this property uin 45480 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-05-18more like thismore than 2020-05-18
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-05-18T16:07:34.443Zmore like thismore than 2020-05-18T16:07:34.443Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property previous answer version
21587
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4781
star this property label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans more like this
1199503
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-06-02more like thismore than 2020-06-02
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Coronavirus more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps he is taking to ensure that places of worship can open for (a) private prayer and (b) active worship in compliance with social distancing measures as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bosworth more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Luke Evans more like this
unstar this property uin 53638 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-06-09more like thismore than 2020-06-09
star this property answer text <p>The Government has announced that from the 15<sup>th</sup> June Church of England places of worship may be opened for individual prayer, alongside those of other faiths.</p><p>The Church of England has been developing advice, following information from Public Health England and other bodies, to enable its churches to be opened safely, and has been communicating that to dioceses for planning purposes. Not all buildings will be able to open for individual prayer on the 15<sup>th</sup> June, and bishops will be discussing with local clergy the needs of each parish. We expect a phased reopening that takes into account local circumstances and the available resources to enable it to be done safely.</p><p>The House of Bishops will be issuing revised advice once the Government has published its own guidance, further to the statement made by Lord Greenhalgh on Saturday 6<sup>th</sup> June.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-06-09T17:13:07.423Zmore like thismore than 2020-06-09T17:13:07.423Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4781
star this property label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans more like this
1242537
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2020-10-12more like thismore than 2020-10-12
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Leicestershire more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps he is taking to support churches across Leicestershire to conduct Christmas services in 2020. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Bosworth more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Luke Evans more like this
unstar this property uin 102186 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2020-11-17more like thismore than 2020-11-17
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England’s seasonal campaign ‘Comfort and Joy’ will provide online, booklet and social media resources for all parishes and worshippers to use and enjoy this Advent and Christmas. More information is available here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/preparing-advent-christmas-2020-comfort-and-joy" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/preparing-advent-christmas-2020-comfort-and-joy</a></p><p> </p><p>Following the Government announcement of a second lockdown, churches have been required to close again for public worship, though I am hopeful this will lift at the end of lockdown on 2nd December and that public worship can resume, with the necessary social distancing rules in place, during Advent and Christmas. The Church of England remains in dialogue with the Government about this as part of the Government’s Places of Worship Task Force. I commend the work of clergy and volunteers across the country during this very challenging time.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2020-11-17T14:56:42.937Zmore like thismore than 2020-11-17T14:56:42.937Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4781
star this property label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans more like this
1355281
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-09-14more like thismore than 2021-09-14
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Marriage more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Commissioners will make representations to Church leaders on allowing people to marry in any church of their choosing. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 49099 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-09-16more like thismore than 2021-09-16
star this property answer text <p>Since 2008 a couple can marry in a Church of England church of any parish where either of them resides or is on the church electoral roll, or any parish where either was baptised, prepared for confirmation, or had formerly lived or worshipped. They also qualify if the parents of either of them have lived in the parish of that church, or have worshipped there, or the parents or grandparents of either of them were married there. <br> <br>Being married in a church not only reflects the faith commitment of the couple but their connection to the communities to which they are linked, whether through present circumstances or family histories. This policy of ‘qualifying connections’ allows couples great flexibility in choosing their wedding venues while also maintaining those important community links. <br> <br>There are many positive effects of attending a church in order to get married there and the website yourchurchwedding.org encourages couples to ‘just ask’ to find out how they can get married in church.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-09-16T16:22:55.317Zmore like thismore than 2021-09-16T16:22:55.317Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1379348
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2021-11-17more like thismore than 2021-11-17
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Christianity: Asylum more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether he has had recent discussions with the Church of England on the number of asylum seekers who have converted to Christianity in the last year. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 76650 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2021-11-19more like thismore than 2021-11-19
star this property answer text <p>Specific discussion on that issue has not taken place. Data are not kept on the nationality or migration status of those who seek Baptism. Baptism is a sacrament ordained by God and must always be open to anyone regardless of race, nationality or status, so long as they meet the requirements set out in Canon law.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2021-11-19T17:56:35.087Zmore like thismore than 2021-11-19T17:56:35.087Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1506682
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2022-09-20more like thismore than 2022-09-20
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Repairs and Maintenance more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent discussions he has had with the Church Commissioners about repair and renewal of the church estate. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 51610 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2022-09-30more like thismore than 2022-09-30
star this property answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and Archbishops' Council have agreed to funding of £11 million for 2023-25 in support of Buildings for Mission, which includes £2m for places of worship maintenance/repairs, and funding for up to 20 support officers to work with communities on the care of their church buildings. This is alongside a one-off commitment of £190 million (over nine years) to support the whole Church, including its buildings, in the transition towards Net Zero 2030.</p><p>12,500 church buildings are listed, with 45% of all England's Grade I listed buildings being cathedrals and churches. The average annual cost for the maintenance and repairs to parish churches alone is estimated at £150 million, and the maintenance of our churches across the country is mostly financed by generous local donors and volunteers. Support and advice, including on available grants, is available from ChurchCare: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293809797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=poekhrb1CI4yW97ulmdixIHccG8YqHdFRdSDPWdQvGk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare</a></p><p>The Church remains grateful for the continuation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the Culture Recovery Fund. Money invested in church buildings has positive benefits to the wider community: the 2021 House of Good report by the National Churches Trust (<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293809797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2FB8xLomcISN%2F0bZwDgRcsyF%2BJE5AzSvx5vXC2OrVlLs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.houseofgood.nationalchurchestrust.org/</a>) found that &quot;the annual social and economic value of church buildings to the UK is worth around £55 billion. This sum, calculated using the latest HM Treasury Green Book guidance, includes the contribution churches make to wellbeing and to local economies.&quot;</p><p>The Church is committed to engaging with the Government on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2017 Taylor Review into the sustainability of church buildings (<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fthe-taylor-review-sustainability-of-english-churches-and-cathedrals&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293809797%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=wfHZliRC73QqxGvktlee4WscPJ9PKXIX6gfC%2FRN6qVg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">The Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a>).</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2022-09-30T09:18:21.667Zmore like thismore than 2022-09-30T09:18:21.667Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1506683
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2022-09-20more like thismore than 2022-09-20
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Vandalism more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether he has had discussions with the Church Commissioner's about preventing vandalism on the church estate. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 51611 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2022-09-30more like thismore than 2022-09-30
star this property answer text <p>Acts of vandalism to church property cause distress and great inconvenience to clergy and volunteers who work hard to keep churches accessible and in good repair. For churches suffering anti-social behaviour, guidance is available here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare%2Fadvice-and-guidance-church-buildings%2Fanti-social-behaviour-churchyards&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293653531%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=lMPp6xrCBBIvjg932Gj2kWFFaHR13UT%2FuTQWpWhOR%2FE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/anti-social-behaviour-churchyards</a><br> General advice given to parishes is that opening the building and increasing footfall into and around the Church can help.</p><p>Thefts of metal and architectural stone from church property are of additional concern, and although the number of incidents is low compared to the height of metal theft in 2017-18, the severity of the incidents indicates that this is now part of serious organised crime. Advice is available at <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare%2Fadvice-and-guidance-church-buildings%2Fcrime-and-security-prevention&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293653531%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NgM5cMfbFIVuvQWkpzC%2BRJKr8KoeYzDzLhCsPrhNdT4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/crime-and-security-prevention</a></p><p>The Church is grateful to the Home Office for its continued support to all places of worship threatened by hate crime through the protective security scheme.</p><p>Further advice is available from the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Department of the National Church Institutions: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare&amp;data=05%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C5ef6934bfcfd4606ad4308daa22bced9%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638000606293653531%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=nTkeaxBKamchMNOCp0geChOM7W%2BHNC50CmW9Fg%2B9kFc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2022-09-30T09:13:28.847Zmore like thismore than 2022-09-30T09:13:28.847Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1627247
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-05-12more like thismore than 2023-05-12
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Security more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what guidance has been published to assist with the security of churches. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 184815 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-06-08more like thismore than 2023-06-08
star this property answer text <p>The Cathedral and Church Buildings team of the National Church Institutions has been in touch with all Diocesan Advisory Committees to remind them of its security guidance, which is also available on the Church of England website here: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofengland.org%2Fresources%2Fchurchcare%2Fadvice-and-guidance-church-buildings%2Fsecurity-and-crime-prevention&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crichard.chapman%40churchofengland.org%7Cc49a42f8e5a44131c99c08db67e4b657%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C638218004242075662%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=fqU9aW%2FLpNEhkuaEGGnb5FrrDpeZ7e%2FJvRghF5dEqO4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/security-and-crime-prevention</a><br> <br>The guidance includes details of safes that are compliant with current standards. Advice on the locking of churches during the day has not changed despite the recent spate of burglaries. Historic England and Ecclesiastical Insurance advice is that existing security alarms be extended to include the church safe, or the room in which the safe is housed.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-06-08T20:48:39.88Zmore like thismore than 2023-06-08T20:48:39.88Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1668875
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-11-09more like thismore than 2023-11-09
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Gaza and Israel more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Anglican diocese of Jerusalem is taking to help people impacted by the conflict in Israel and Gaza. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 1107 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-11-27more like thismore than 2023-11-27
star this property answer text <p>I am only able to answer on behalf of the National Church Institutions of the Church of England, and cannot on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem.</p><p>One of the significant contributions the Anglican Church makes as a global body is in the provision of healthcare. The Church of England is supporting the Diocese of Jerusalem’s request to launch a financial appeal to support the work of the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. More information is here: <a href="https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/10/24/joint-gaza-appeal-letter-from-the-most-revds-hosam-naoum-and-justin-welby-the-anglican-archbishop-in-jerusalem-and-the-archbishop-of-canterbury/" target="_blank">https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/10/24/joint-gaza-appeal-letter-from-the-most-revds-hosam-naoum-and-justin-welby-the-anglican-archbishop-in-jerusalem-and-the-archbishop-of-canterbury/</a></p><p>Bishops in the House of Lords have committed to continuing to raise issues with His Majesty’s Government around the treatment of the Christian community in Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.</p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury paid a pastoral visit to the Diocese of Jerusalem on the 19<sup>th</sup> of October where he met with Christian and Jewish leaders in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He also met with families affected by the attacks on the 7<sup>th</sup> October. More details of the visit can be found here: <a href="https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements/archbishop-canterbury-arrives-jerusalem-pastoral-visit-anglican-church#:~:text=The%20Archbishop%20of%20Canterbury%20has%20begun%20a%20pastoral,Archbishop%20in%20Jerusalem%2C%20the%20Most%20Revd%20Hosam%20Naoum." target="_blank">https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements/archbishop-canterbury-arrives-jerusalem-pastoral-visit-anglican-church#:~:text=The%20Archbishop%20of%20Canterbury%20has%20begun%20a%20pastoral,Archbishop%20in%20Jerusalem%2C%20the%20Most%20Revd%20Hosam%20Naoum.</a></p><p>Subsequently, the Archbishop spoke in a special debate in the House of Lords, and the House of Bishops released a joint statement, which can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/house-bishops-oct-30-nov-1-2023" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/house-bishops-oct-30-nov-1-2023</a></p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury also addressed the conflict in his presidential address to the November meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England, which also included a pastoral message from the Archbishop of Jerusalem. You can read the presidential address here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishops-presidential-address-synod" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishops-presidential-address-synod</a> The Archbishop of Jerusalem’s speech is available here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishop-jerusalem-addresses-synod-call-ceasefire-and-plea-peace" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishop-jerusalem-addresses-synod-call-ceasefire-and-plea-peace</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-11-27T09:25:01.747Zmore like thismore than 2023-11-27T09:25:01.747Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1670313
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-11-15more like thismore than 2023-11-15
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church of England: Religious Freedom more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England is taking steps to advocate for freedom of religion and belief in other countries. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 2135 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-12-15more like thismore than 2023-12-15
star this property answer text <p>Over the past two years the Church of England has been closely involved with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in supporting the work of His Majesty's Ambassadors and diplomats, as part of a structured programme of engagement between the Church’s global networks and the civil service, to increase awareness of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).</p><p>The Church was represented at the Government conference in 2022 that highlighted the need for increased global action on FoRB and continues to support the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. More information about the work of the International Panel can be found here: <a href="https://www.ippforb.com/about/" target="_blank">https://www.ippforb.com/about/</a></p><p>Bishops of the global Anglican Communion came together for the Lambeth Conference in 2022 and spent a day discussing issues of interfaith engagement, human dignity and freedom of religion and belief. At the Conference a range of calls were made, outlining priorities for the Church worldwide. The documents relating to Freedom of Religion and religious persecution can be found under the Inter-Faith, Christian Unity and Human Dignity sections here: <a href="https://www.lambethconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Lambeth-Calls-English-2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.lambethconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Lambeth-Calls-English-2023.pdf(opens in a new tab)</a></p><p>The United Nations Security Council has recently adopted a resolution to produce an annual report on freedom of religion and belief. It was sponsored by the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and the resolution was based on the former Bishop of Truro's review, commissioned by the UK Government. The Security Council adopted the proposal, which will see the UN Secretary General produce an oral report on FoRB-related threats to international peace and security.</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-12-15T14:54:00.61Zmore like thismore than 2023-12-15T14:54:00.61Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1670314
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-11-15more like thismore than 2023-11-15
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Church Schools more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make an assessment of the contribution of church schools in (a) Hendon constituency and (b) the UK. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 2136 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-12-15more like thismore than 2023-12-15
star this property answer text <p>The Church of England educates over one million children in its 4,700 schools. Church of England schools are committed to the flourishing of children and deliver a rounded education that remains in high demand with parents. In Hendon an excellent example is St Mary's and St John's, a large, successful and thriving all-through school which yielded outstanding GCSE results this summer; the highest they have been.</p><p>The Church of England is one of the leading providers for leadership development, through National Professional Qualifications. These qualifications, in partnership with His Majesty's Government, have provided vital investment in leadership and teacher development at a time when attracting people into teaching faces numerous challenges. The Government's commitment in this area is welcome because it is a key part of ensuring improved outcomes for children, especially those who are most vulnerable.</p><p>The Church's contribution and vision for how the whole system can flourish is set out in <a href="https://www.cefel.org.uk/flourishingsystem/" target="_blank">Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System - Foundation For Educational Leadership</a>. It explains that Church schools &quot;ensure a careful balance of wisdom, knowledge and skills in their curriculum planning, enabling their students not only to excel in examinations but releasing wise young leaders and courageous advocates, inspired and equipped to shape their future society. They are beacons of hope for the communities they serve, frequently standing as the most significant institution in a local area.&quot;</p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-12-15T14:55:32.48Zmore like thismore than 2023-12-15T14:55:32.48Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1688244
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2024-02-07more like thismore than 2024-02-07
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Christianity: Asylum more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church provides guidance on helping to determine that asylum seekers are genuine converts to Christianity. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 13587 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2024-02-26more like thismore than 2024-02-26
star this property answer text <p>The document “Supporting Asylum Seekers – Guidance for Church of England Clergy”, which has been publicly available on the Church of England website for around seven years, states that clergy should assess the faith of those claiming conversion to Christianity and should rely on evidence to do so. The guidance also refers to the need for discernment – to be “wise as serpents” – in recognising mixed motives and the potential for gaming the system.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2024-02-26T21:44:09.537Zmore like thismore than 2024-02-26T21:44:09.537Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1689894
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2024-02-19more like thismore than 2024-02-19
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Religious Buildings: Entertainments more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church has issued guidance on the use of places of worship for silent discos. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Hendon more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Matthew Offord more like this
unstar this property uin 14537 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2024-02-26more like thismore than 2024-02-26
star this property answer text <p>No guidance has been issued by the National Church Institutions on the use of places of worship for silent discos.</p> more like this
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2024-02-26T21:40:16.007Zmore like thismore than 2024-02-26T21:40:16.007Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4006
star this property label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord more like this
1653938
star this property registered interest false more like this
star this property date less than 2023-07-18more like thismore than 2023-07-18
star this property answering body
Church Commissioners more like this
unstar this property answering dept id 9 more like this
star this property answering dept short name Church Commissioners more like this
star this property answering dept sort name Church Commissioners remove filter
star this property hansard heading Churches: Closures more like this
unstar this property house id 1 more like this
star this property legislature
25259
star this property pref label House of Commons more like this
star this property question text To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, how many churches have been closed by the Church of England in each of the last 10 years. more like this
star this property tabling member constituency Ealing Central and Acton more like this
star this property tabling member printed
Dr Rupa Huq more like this
unstar this property uin 194796 more like this
star this property answer
answer
unstar this property is ministerial correction false more like this
star this property date of answer less than 2023-09-12more like thismore than 2023-09-12
star this property answer text <p>Between 2010 and 2019, 209 consecrated churches were formally closed, which amounted to just over 1%. Since the 1990s the rate of closure has remained steady at 20-25 per year out of a total of around 16,000 church buildings. It is important to note that new churches are also being built and that some congregations meet in other kinds of buildings.</p><p>More information can be found in the annual reports of the Church Commissioners, which are available in the House of Commons Library, or online here, in the sections for ‘Mission, Pastoral and Church Property’ or ‘Pastoral Administration’: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/church-commissioners-england/how-we-are-governed/publications" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/church-commissioners-england/how-we-are-governed/publications</a></p><p>Churches are first and foremost places of worship. The 2017 Taylor Review into sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals ( <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/669667/Taylor_Review_Final.pdf" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/669667/Taylor_Review_Final.pdf</a> ) found that the Government could also enable the church to serve local communities better by reviewing planning law around listed buildings, to enable Local Authorities to think more imaginatively about diversification and wider use. For over a decade the Church of England’s own ‘open and sustainable churches’ programme, has encouraged churches to consider partnering with a wide variety of community resources (e.g. post offices, village shops, children’s play areas, credit unions, foodbanks, co-working spaces) in sharing space: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/sharing-your-building-and-finding" target="_blank">Sharing your building and finding partners | The Church of England</a></p>
star this property answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire more like this
star this property answering member printed Andrew Selous more like this
star this property question first answered
less than 2023-09-12T20:19:22.703Zmore like thismore than 2023-09-12T20:19:22.703Z
unstar this property answering member
1453
star this property label Biography information for Andrew Selous more like this
star this property tabling member
4511
star this property label Biography information for Dr Rupa Huq more like this